Finished coaming pads

So here are the finished shells of the coaming pads with the original for reference. The original has features like the off-color piping and the center logo section. Nice but for the first time sewing something I simplified the design. In the end these should serve the purpose well. Next step is the foam, which I'll get this week. Then comes installation. Once in place I will have to cut the nylon straps to length and install the snap buttons which I may some extra have on the boat from a previous project. Now what you ask for the sewing? I have an easy project I have laid out and my curtains on the boat need new zippers. The curtains may require a better machine which I don't know if I can justify.

June Updates

So its been a busy few weeks.

First the Ice Luge was constructed and turns out the documentation from last year may have been a little unclear.  It turns out we went with 21" not 29" rear leg length.  Thus the angle was too aggressive at 36 degrees (versus 28 degrees).  The other issue was I added lights (bass Christmas lights).  I tested them, but once the ice was in place the lights didn't work. Someone improvised with a black light set on the table under the luge.  So the next plan is to reuse the luge but add black lights and shorten the legs to 21".

On the 17th Father's Day we took the family on the boat to see the Blue Angels.  We anchored up between the Key bridge and Fort McHenry, had a picnic and watched the show.  I was impressed and can't believe I hadn't gone to see them before.  When ever they are in the area I am going to try and see them.           

I am close to finishing the coaming pads.  I have constructed one 100% and the other I just have end caps to sew on. I am a little dissapointed with the finishing,but it seems like they will do the job.  I will have to check the fit and adjust the postion of the snaps that keep it from sliding around too much.

On a new note I gave someone my resume for a PM job where they do IA. More specifically data security by protecting communications, sensitive and classified data, intellectual property and digital identities. I am not too sure about that considering it isn't in my area of technical expertise; however, I think the field is very hot right now and in some ways is the future of defense.  Last week I was also contacted by a former customer that asked me about my willingness to come and work for them.  this is the second time I was contacted by them, but this wasn't a causal what-do-you-think-of-working here kind of deal. Either way I think I need a new suit.

Week 6/3

No too much going on this week.  Going back to work after a week off was painful.  I took a half day Friday and went fishing.  I found my self a bit low on gas so I went to the closest spot which was Tolchester.

http://www.tolchestermarina.com/

I approached the gas dock and there was no one there.  I then stepped foot on the eastern shore like Columbus.  It was the first time I had. I have cruised into a few rivers and creeks on the eastern shore, but never got off the boat.  Anyway I called the number on the shack and I inquired what there hours were.  The lady told me they closed on a minute (it was 4:59).  We'll i said I was there.  I could tell in no uncertain terms this lady wanted to go home it was Friday,  but I sort of needed the gas.  I guess a couple hundred dollar sale didn't hurt in convincing her to help me out.

I caught some fish that Friday the below picture isn't one of them, but from last weeks fishing.  It is a yellow perch first one of those I caught in a few years.  Usually I caught them using minnows or other live bait.




Last week I finished the coaming pad prototype.  Here is a picture of the reverse. I had some trouble with the end caps so this week I practiced  and finally got a pretty good result.


This is the zipper and awning rope. The awning rope is used to mount the pad to the boat and has to be sewn into the pad (seen at the top of the pad on the above picture).




Update: Just found out my ice luge engineering skills are being called on once more.  The ice luge mount was destroyed in an act of unbelievable disrespect for the engineering feat that it was.  Actually I am glad because that means I can do it again!  Thanks to my accurate blog account of last year's efforts I can take the basic design and improve on it for the betterment of mankind....

Week 5/28

I was on vacation this week.  Went to the beach for Memorial day which was great.

There I tried a new drink:

Whiskey sour
1 1/2 ounces whiskey (rye or bourbon)
1 ounce freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (orange and lemon)
1/4 to 1/2 ounce simple syrup*, according to taste
Maraschino cherry for optional garnish

Over the week I also:

Got a book and did some reading
Worked on the sewing project
Worked on the boat interior (rod holder)
Refurbished the grill burners
Went fishing (caught a yellow perch)
Went for a motorcycle ride
Watched lots of playoff basketball
Went to the gym a few times

At the gym I saw the most interesting thing.  In the parking lot I noticed a couple smoking in their car.  They soon left and walked in the gym to presumably workout.  Is this common because it seems a bit backwards to me. I mean you work out to get fit if you smoke you are undoing your work, right?

Week of May 21st

        So I have been using the sewing machine and have done lots of practice.  Just doing small things building my skills with stitching various stitches, measuring and cutting, working with the materials for the goal project.  I found that the mesh you see in the second picture I planned on using as the back of the cushion isnt going to work. It is a rubbery thick material that binds up in the machine.  Although some of the small things I made with it turned out ok, taking it to the larger size didn't work at all.  So in the pictures you see in the fore ground a cooler cushion used a seat on the boat.  I reproduced this with a vinyl and mesh I got at Joann fabrics.  They actually carry a better quality vinyl (rated for marine use), but I found a better material online for a better price.  The mesh I found online too that is more like the target mesh, not rubbery but a smoother thin material.   The hard parts with this is attaching the boxing and the zipper. The boxing is the vertical band (2") that runs around the 4 sides of the cushion. I finally figured it out on some smaller test pieces.  The zipper was tough in that the material (rubber mesh) gets doubled up and it was almost impossible to move through it.  I got it, but it told me this isn't the right material for this job.  Obviously it isn't finished without adding the foam.  That is also something I'm going to need for the big job, so I need to do some more research and find the appropriate material.  

The second item I actually made is using nylon webbing that I will need on the goal project to hold the cushions in place on the boat.  This is an "Easy Walk" harness.  We have these for the dogs.  Actually we have one now that Chance ate his, but we use Chase's on him when we take him alone, because it works pretty well.  The real one has 4 adjustments to accommodate a range of dog sizes.  This new one is custom sized for Chance (but can fit Chase).  It has one adjustment to handle girth changes (weigh and hair).  Also you see the color a mil-spec khaki color which is a better look for him considering the store bought one is pink... I am also making another one for Chase, olive drab green to match her leash. I got all the webbing, stainless hardware and buckles from Strapworks (great prices).  

So far I've accomplished: 

Getting all the tools (machine, scissors, seam ripper, various measuring and marking items, etc) 

Learning how to use the machine (basics, threading, bobbin winding). 

Needle and thread size as well as which to use in the target materials  

How to sew a zipper

How to make a box cushion

Sewing nylon strapping

Researched all the materials and choose them (except foam)

found vendors for the materials 

As of this week I ordered all the fabric to make the caoming pads.  I am tempted to get a quote from a boat interior shop on how much they would charge.  As seen on some of my earlier posts it is never cheaper to do it yourself, but some times it is worth it (if you know what I mean).  

In other news I actually went fishing for the first time last weekend.  I caught lots of little ones, but it was a good start.

Also took a look at this bike, I need something a little more comfortable in my old age.

CB-1000R

May 19th 2001

Wife

I couldn't find a card that says what I wanted to say.  Each card wasn't quite right.  Sure they're some lovely sentiments, but they aren't from me.  So instead i'm going to do my best to write what I feel. While I don't say it; you know how I feel.  I'm not big on hugs and kisses, but you know it.  I appreciate all that you do, taking care of the house and the dogs.  I know I don't do near as much as you do and you don't give me a hard time.  I feel i'm lucky to have you and I don't say it enough, but you know.
Simply put: I love you.

Frank

Dear Husband,
Thanks for all the kind words. Never, think that you do not do enough. You're the best husband in the world and I love you more than words can say. So thanks for being the Man that you are.
With all my love,
Chanda

Occupy?

I heard a report today that the Occupy Chicago folks are protesting the NATO conference going on there.  Now let me get this straight Occupy started to protest "against financial greed and corruption". An economic statement about the distribution of wealth and the the unbalanced power/influence in this country. amirite?  Today I hear they are protesting the oppressive warmongering ways of our country.  Oh they said it was the 1% who are doing this and causing untold suffering and bringing death to the civilians in the countries where we are at war.  So I guess that 1% is the tie in?  I'm sorry I don't buy it.  I am starting to think that this group is just a bunch of new hippies that want to use the momentum marketed as occupy to protest and voice the complaints of the far left.  Actually I think they just want to protest for fun.  Lets get back to protesting NATO. Now this is a group of counties formed to provide mutual support against a group of countries bent  on the destruction of our country and our way of life. Now in the current situation NATO is banding together to fight against not other countries but against terrorists committed to our destruction.  Hmmmm, I wonder how Occupy would advise our country respond to 9/11?  Maybe give them flowers and have them talk out their differences with us?  I don't think they are facing the reality of the world we live in.  Is it in their utopian world everyone just wants to get along and live as a big happy family?  When has that ever been the case in the world, ever?  I don't think anyone wants to make war, but as long as people are bent on our destruction we must be prepared to fight them where ever they are.